Abolishing Homework

Here is a table of contents page for my blog posts on changing homework. To be clear, I have major modifications around the traditional concept of homework.

Firstly, we need to change the homework default. This means instead of mandating homework will be assigned, regardless of whether it need be, we would only ask children to go home and work a second shift when we had something worthy for them to do.

Secondly, homework is not something to assign, rather it is something to inspire. Where there's interest, achievement follows. Traditional homework has exactly the opposite effect on children's love for learning. In fact, I can think of no better sabateur of passion for learning than homework.

Does Homework Improve Learning? - a careful examination of the data raises serious doubts about whether meaningful learning is enhanced by homework for most students.

The homework monster - The next time a proponent of homework says that they have to assign homework because they simply do not have time to cover all of the curriculum, ask them how much time would be sufficient.

Homework's 10 Minute Rule - I can't help but feel like this is a relic of the factory model of education where kids are sorted based on their date of manufacture and are seen as vending machines where we must simply insert the mandated homework time and learning will spew out of them.

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I am Joe Bower (and that is Deborah Meier) and I teach in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. I wish to challenge 'traditional' schooling while exploring more progressive forms of education. I intend on using this blog to uproot some of the most deeply rooted myths that continue to distract people from a love for learning. And I am going to have fun doing it!